13. Wireless Router Guide

From NotebookReview
By: NickS


This guide is to help you find which wireless router you should get, if you need/want one.

**CLICK ON A ROUTER TO GET A LARGER AND BETTER VIEW OF THAT ROUTER**

Linksys

Brief Overview:

Linksys routers are very nice. You rarely have disconnections with these routers. The one con about linksys is that there setup is not very user friendly, but i have seen it improving so if you think you can handle the setup. There support is very nice and they really do help. There is also an option where you can go online and talk to them. Overall, Linksys is a nice company and there routers are built nicely with no over heating.

Linksys Routers:

Linksys WRT54G Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRT54GS Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRT54GC Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRT54GL Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRT54GX Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRV54G Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRT55AG Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal




Linksys WRT54G



This router is a basic networking router. If all you want to do is just network between 4 PC's wired and have wireless, its your best bet. This routers features are:

• All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G clients
• Wireless data rates up to 54Mbps -- 5 times as fast as Wireless-B (802.11b), but also interoperable with Wireless-B devices (at 11Mbps)
• Advanced security: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

Its a nice basic router and if your in a budget, this router is pretty cheap and almost always has a MIR.

Linksys WRT54GS



This router is almost the same as the previous one except that this router has Speedbooster which means boosts downloading speeds. (Note: This can only be shown if you have a Linksys Wireless Card too) So if you already have a wireless card and dont want to replace it, your better off getting a sister model of it. (WRT54G* (*C or L)). Here are the features of this router:

• All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and up to 35% performance enhanced Wireless-G Access Point
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired, Wireless-G, -B, and SpeedBooster devices
• Push button setup feature makes wireless configuration secure and simple
• High security: Wi-Fi Protected AccessTM 2(WPA2), 802.1x, powerful SPI firewall

Linksys WRT54GC



This router is identical to the WRT54G version except this time, this router is very small and compact. If you have limited space, this router might be good for you. Or if you need to actually take this router to different locations, its easier because of its size. Here are the features of this router:

• All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G and B devices
• Compact form factor fits in anywhere
• High security: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2 Personal), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

Linksys WRT54GL



This router is the newest of this line up. It has a little better security, the easy setup button making it easy to customize this router. So if you need a little extra security, this router might be a good decision. Here are the features of this router:

• All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and 54Mbps Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G and -B devices
• Push button setup feature makes wireless configuration secure and simple
• High security: TKIP and AES encryption, wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

Linksys WRT54GX



This router is quite different from the previous version as this router has SRX meaning its faster then standard G and has a better signal. If your one of those people were you want very fast speeds and a very big area of signal, this would be a good suggestion. (Note: Linksys also offers a WRT54GX2 and WRT54GX4 which have greater speeds but are basically the same but just faster) Here are the features of this router:

• Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, with a built in speed and range enhanced Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired, Wireless-G, -B, and other SRX devices
• New SRX technology: the farther away, the more advantage -- up to 8 times faster than standard Wireless-G (802.11g)
• SRX also increases wireless range by up to 3 times and reduces dead spots in coverage area

Linksys WTR54GS



This is Linksys's smallest router which it can even fit into your pocket. It also has speedbooster on it which boosts performance. If you need a very small, compact, traveling router, you might want to take a look at it. Here are the features of this router:

• Shares a wired or wireless Internet connection with SpeedBooster, Wireless-G and -B devices, and an Ethernet wired PC
• Create temporary, personal, wireless access in your hotel room or a coffee shop hotspot -- pushbutton easy
• Travel-friendly design with built-in power supply and antenna
• High security: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

Linksys WRV54G - (Small Business Router)



This router has great security protection including its VPN router. This router is more for a small business then home use because you can have 50 users connect to this router. It also has authoriztion options. Here are the features for this router:

• An Internet connection-sharing Router, Switch, and Access Point with built-in VPN endpoint capability and advanced security features
• Jump start your small business network by connecting both Wireless-G (802.11g) PCs, and local wired PCs
• Securely connect up to 50 remote or traveling users to your office network via VPN
• "Hotspot Ready" with subscriber registration, authorization and authentication functions

Linksys WRT55AG*

• Dual-band, tri-standard Access Point communicates with Wireless-A (802.11a), Wireless-B (802.11b), and Wireless-G (802.11g) wireless networks
• Protect your wireless investment while preparing your infrastructure for the future
• Built-in 4-port Switch jump-starts your wired network, while the Router functionality securely shares your high-speed Internet connection with wired and wireless computers
• Advanced Security: WEP and WPA wireless data encryption, VPN pass-through, Internet access control and Wireless filters

Netgear

Netgear has very nice, stylish routers. There support is decent and there instructions can be vague but there easy and to the point. The netgear setup and configuration is very easy. But, there routers can run pretty hot and there have been known frequent disconnects with some of there routers. But that can be fixed by updating the firmware, and to make them run cool, simply put the router in a position where more air can go through it like on some a stand comes with it.

Netgear Routers:

Netgear WPN824 Netgear.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Netgear WPNT834 Netgear.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Netgear WGT624 Netgear.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Netgear WGR614 Netgear.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Netgear WGR101 Netgear.com info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Netgear DG834PN* Netgear.com Info
Netgear WGU624* Netgear.com Info
Netgear WGT634U* Netgear.com Info
Netgear WGT624SC* Netgear.com Info
Netgear DG834G* Netgear.com Info
Netgear WGR826V* Netgear.com Info
Netgear MR814* Netgear.com Info

*No info currently in this article about these routers

Netgear WPN824



This router has a very good signal. Netgear claims this router is able to have 1000% more wireless coverage than G. So if you are in need of a router that you are sure of that will cover your house and maybe outside (Depending on the size of your house) of your house. Plus with MIMO, there is a small chance for wireless dead spots. Security on this router is also pretty nice. Here are the features for this router:

• Up to 1000% more wireless coverage and speed than 802.11g
• RangeMax Smart MIMO (Multi-In, Multi Out) Technology
• 7 Internal Smart Antennas adapt on the fly to interference
• 100% compatible with 802.11b, 802.11g, and SuperG devices
• Ultra-Secure (double firewall, WEP, WPA-PSK) protect against unauthorized usage

Netgear WPNT834



This router is new from Netgear. With this router, you can have up to 240Mbps of speed. It has a good signal and is a fairly nice, new, good looking router. Here are the features of this router:

• Enables simultaneous HD Video Streaming, downloading MP3s, Multi-player gaming, and file sharing.
• Up to 240 Mbps speeds for wireless networks
• RangeMax MIMO Technology delivers superior wireless coverage
• Increases the performance of your existing 802.11b/g devices by up to 50%
• Ultra Secure with Double Firewall, WEP Encryption, and WPA2 Security

Netgear WGT624



This router has 108Mbps speed with Super G. Its a decent, stylish router which is perfect for having multiple computers on your network. Here are some of the features for this router:

• Super Fast! – 108 Mbps with Super G Technology (when used with NETGEAR WG111T, WG311T, or WG511T Adapters)
• Super Easy! – Smart Wizard gets you up and running in minutes
• Super Secure! – Over than 10 security & privacy features including Double Firewall (SPI & NAT), WEP Encryption, and WPA (Pre-Shared Key)
• Super Range! –Delivers extended range up to 400ft

Netgear WGR614



Here is a basic Netgear G router. If you want just a simple home network, this router would be an option to consider. This router does get pretty hot. Also the instructions for setup that Netgear gives you are pretty vague but it does get the job done. This would be a good choice for just a basic network and is pretty affordable to. Here are the features of this router:

• Speeds of 802.11g - up to 5x faster than 802.11b
• Smart Wizard automatically detects ISP settings and walks you through installation
• Double Firewall - SPI & NAT
• Compatible with 802.11b devices and 802.11g devices
• Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK)

Netgear WGR101



This router is perfect for traveling. It is very compact yet still a decent Wireless G router. If you think you might be traveling a lot and want to simple hook this up in a hotel room, this might be for you. Here are some of the features to this router:

• Compact size and convenient carrying case
• Switch to select between single and multi-user mode
• Interoperable with both 802.11b and 802.11g devices
• Speeds of up to 54 Mbps - up to 5x faster than 802.11b
• Highest-level Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption

Netgear DG834PN



Netgear WGU624



Netgear WGT634U



Netgear WGT624SC



Netgear DG834G



Netgear WGR826V



Netgear MR814




D-Link

D-Link is also a top wireless selling brand. They have decent routers and there support is pretty basic. There easier to set up also. Here are some of the main D-Link routers:

D-Link Routers:

DI-634M D-Link.com Info
DI-624 D-Link.com Info
DI-524 D-Link.com Info
DI-624M* D-Link.com Info
DI-724U* D-Link.com Info
DI-624S* D-Link.com Info
DI-824VUP* D-Link.com Info
DWL-G730AP* D-Link.com Info
DI-784* D-Link.com Info

*No info currently in this article about these routers

D-Link DI-634M



A router that has 108Mbps of speed with MIMO built in it. It is ideal for networking between more than 3 computers. Here are the top features of this router:

• Based on MIMO technology, Double XR (Xccelerated Rates at Xtended Ranges) technology provides extended, whole-house coverage; data transfer speeds up to 108 Mbps
• 2.4GHz wireless frequency (802.11b- and 802.11g-compliant)
• Quad Smart Antenna Design features 2 vertical and 2 horizontal antennas to distribute radio signals in both vertical and linear planes and maximize wireless coverage area

D-Link DI-624



This router also has speeds capaable of 108Mbps (Xtreme G wireless router). Its combatible with B wireless devices. It has a good signal and offers good protection from intruders. Some main features of this router:

• Xtreme G networking (108 Mbps) allows accelerated data transfer speeds without losing compatibility with 802.11b networks
• Silicon chip technology improves performance and enhances speed
• Advanced firewall with policy-based filters, including MAC address, IP address, URL and/or domain name, and available scheduling
• 802.1x wireless user authentication and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) high-level data security features; 64/128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) data encryption

D-Link DI-524



This is a basic D-Link G router with speeds of 54Mbps. Built in firewall for good protection also. Some other good features of this router:

• 2.4GHz wireless frequency (802.11g compliant)
• Up to 54 Mbps data transfer rates — almost 5 times that of standard 802.11b rates
• Built-in 4-port switch with 10/100Base-T support to connect additional computers without wireless capability

Overall Conclusion (Update Soon)

Basic Routers (Basic need to just have a network)

Linksys WRT54G
Linksys WRT54GS
Linksys WRT54GC
Linksys WTR54GS
Netgear WGR614
Netgear WGR101
D-Link DI-524

Intermediate (Faster Speeds)

Linksys WRT54GL
Linksys WRT54GX
Netgear WGT624
D-Link DI-624

Advanced (Fast Speeds, MIMO, Better Signal Strength)

Linksys WRV54G
Netgear WPN824
Netgear WPNT834
D-Link DI-634M

When buying a router, you basically just need a basic router for the standard 2 computer network. If you want to have a better than basic router, maybe think about the higher level routers as say that have Super G, MIMO, SRX, etc.

This list will be added later with additional companies. Thank you for your time. I hope this has helped.